JINYA Ramen Bar - Midtown — Restaurant in Houston

--- NK Score = 8.2/10 ---

8/10 = Furniture/Ambience 8/10 = Food Quality 9/10 = Variety/Mastery 6/10 = Quantity/Prices (Other Ratings Hidden)

--- Price Range ($5.00 - $13.00) --- --- For Above ( Snack to Ramen ) --- --- Solo or Group (to 12) = Applicable --- --- Lunch or Dinner = Possible Wait --- --- Parking Accessibility = Difficult ---

Atmosphere: Visually the place looks rather interesting, the interior is lit by soft lantern-like jars that pair pretty well with their modern Ramen Bar theme. For seating they have 5 Booths for 2, 6 Table/Booths for 4, 2 Long Tables for up to 12 (Can Seat Separate Groups), and a Bar Area with a few seats for individuals. You can make a reservation incase they're busy.

Modern, Soft-lit Dark Interior Good Booths, Basic Table Seats No Window, No Sunlight Problem Medium to Louder Noise Levels

Food Quality: For appearance, their Ramen looks pretty appetizing with the ingredients scattered above the Ramen in various order. The Ramen's texture, broth, and noodle were very close to being perfect.

Premium Tonkotsu White ($11.95): The flavor of the Chicken and Pork Broth really had a punch in this one, it literally dived into my mouth with every sip. Their Pork Chashu was very tender and packed with a mild, salty sweet flavor. The green onions, egg, and fried onions was well made with the Ramen, only exception was the wood ears which were really rough to chew on. Last issue I'd like to mention is that the broth I had was a lot saltier than what I would've preferred.

Spicy Chicken Ramen ($11.50): Mildly spicy broth with flat pieces of chicken breast, bean sprouts, spinach, welch onion, and thin noodles. The ramen and it's ingredients were all very well made and mixed nicely with each other, no complaints. The broth was very warm and soft to the tongue, and combined with the spiciness, it really gave the Ramen an extra kick.

Variety / Mastery: They make mostly Ramen, and they're pretty skilled at making good Ramen. I'd consider their authenticity and craft to be much better than some of the other Ramen places around, authentic noodles, and chashu that actually tasted realistic. Although, if you don't want traditional Ramen, they do have Vegetarian or Vegan Ramen and also many different meal sized appetizers you can try by yourself or with a group.

Quantity / Prices: First off, the service here was pretty nice and fast, so hats off to Jinya for that. Now, just like most Japanese restaurants, the portion size compared to the price of the dish can be a little harsh. And in this case, even for quality ramen, the cost of the bowl of Ramen is pretty expensive compared to it's ingredients, portion, and work put into making it.

Recommendations: Premium Tonkotsu White ($11.95), although a bit salty, this dish still brings out good flavor and texture for both the broth and add-ons.

Signed NK...

Jinya Ramen Bar is a popular spot for ramen lovers, offering a range of flavorful noodle dishes in a casual and inviting setting. While the food itself was satisfying, my dining experience was somewhat marred by the inattentive service of our server, Jesus.

Let's start with the positive aspects. Jinya Ramen Bar undoubtedly delivers when it comes to the quality and taste of their ramen. The broth is rich and flavorful, the noodles are cooked to perfection, and the toppings are fresh and well-prepared. Whether you prefer traditional tonkotsu ramen or opt for a unique specialty bowl, the menu offers something for every palate. The restaurant also provides various customization options, allowing you to personalize your bowl to your liking.

However, the standout issue during my visit was the lack of attentive service from our server, Jesus. It was disappointing to witness him being preoccupied with his phone instead of focusing on attending to the customers. This resulted in delayed responses to requests, forgotten orders, and an overall lack of attention to detail. While the food itself was enjoyable, the lack of attentive service definitely impacted the overall dining experience.

Aside from the service issue, Jinya Ramen Bar provides a pleasant atmosphere for casual dining. The restaurant has a modern and trendy vibe, with comfortable seating and a bustling ambiance. The staff, apart from our server, seemed friendly and accommodating, creating a welcoming environment.

In terms of pricing, Jinya Ramen Bar falls within a reasonable range for a quality ramen establishment. The portion sizes are generous, and the flavors justify the price point. It's worth noting that they also offer a selection of appetizers and side dishes to complement your ramen, allowing for a more complete dining experience.

In conclusion, Jinya Ramen Bar is a solid choice for satisfying your ramen cravings with their flavorful noodle bowls. However, my experience was dampened by the inattentive service of our server, Jesus, who appeared more engrossed in his phone than attending to customers' needs. I hope the management addresses this issue to ensure a more enjoyable dining experience for all patrons. Nevertheless, if you're willing to overlook the service shortcomings, Jinya Ramen Bar offers a menu of delicious ramen options in a trendy and...

Walking into the ramen restaurant, I expected a great bowl of noodles, but what I didn’t anticipate was the absolute masterclass in hospitality that Emily delivered! From the moment we sat down, Emily transformed an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience.

She greeted us with a warm, genuine smile that could rival the rising sun over a Houston skyline. Her energy was electric—enough to ignite excitement for what was to come, and her knowledge of the menu was nothing short of impressive. She described every dish with such enthusiasm and detail that I was convinced she had personally crafted each bowl herself.

When I was unsure about which ramen to try, Emily asked insightful questions about my preferences and recommended a spicy tonkotsu red ramen that was absolute perfection. It was clear she was passionate not only about the food but also about ensuring her guests left with smiles as wide as her own.

What truly sets Emily apart is her attention to detail. She anticipated our needs before we even realized them: extra napkins when things got messy, a perfectly-timed refill of water to cool down the heat, and checking in without ever being intrusive.

Her charisma and ability to make every guest feel special turned a simple dining experience into a celebration. It’s rare to encounter someone who goes above and beyond with such authenticity, but Emily is a shining example of how stellar service can elevate a restaurant to the next level.

If you’re lucky enough to be served by Emily, trust me, it’s not just a meal—it’s an event. She’s not just a server; she’s the soul of the restaurant. Management, take note: Emily deserves a standing ovation and probably a raise!

This wasn’t just ramen; it was a performance of flavor, and Emily was the star of the show. Thank you, Emily, for making my dining experience one for the books. I’ll...